Summer’s Last Hurrah, Labor Day Fun At Danbury Car & Truck Festival
One of the the area’s largest car shows is the annual Danbury Car & Truck Festival which was held on Labor Day at Danbury’s Rogers Park and featured several hundred cars of all genres from antique and vintage to high performance, exotics and American muscle cars, both contemporary and historic.
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Thousands attend each year in this important fund raiser for Ann’s Place a 33 year old nonprofit based in Danbury that provides completely free counseling, support groups and wellness classes for anyone facing cancer in the region and goes to help support cancer wellness services. Thousands of people facing cancer come to Ann’s Place for support, all at no charge. To learn more about this outstanding, organization visit: Ann’sPlace.org.
Some of the finest examples of automotive excellence at this show included iconic cars like the ’65 Mustang which led the Pony Car craze 50 years ago which gave us legends like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird and so many others. Only the king of the pony cars, the Ford Mustang is still in production today. There were hot rods which defined the ’50’s in the automotive world like the iconic ‘57 Chevy which helped define the ‘50’s, as well as perfectly restored cars from the World War Two era.
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The '30's are known as the era of cars designed so visually beautiful as to considered works of art in the field of automotive design. The '30's are known as the era of cars designed so visually beautiful as to considered works of art in the field of automotive design, such as this stunning Auburn. They were an integral part of the Art Deco period in American history and is one the most notable styles of cars ever and included sister nameplates such as Cord and Duesenberg.
This red, white and blue beauty is dedicated to Marine Corporal Bobby W. McCarty, Jr. and veterans and first responders and is adorned with memorabilia and signatures of law enforcement and military members.
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There were a also a variety of unusual vehicles including the Tesla Cybertruck (below, right) which features a nearly indestructible (under normal conditions) stainless steel body and is one of the most unusual designs of the contemporary automotive market. Also in the category of “the unusual” is the low-rider BatBike, a tribute to the Batman franchise.
Kids love cars and in addition to getting behind the wheel to show off their driving readiness, one young “ enthusiast drove her pink EV Lamborghini around the site to get a glimpse at the other beautiful vehicles on display.
Then, there was the nightmare.
The Nightmare is a very serious show car, with the theme of many well known horror movies with some of the finest high performance features and artwork seen at the show.
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From The Freshest Produce To Fine Food To Fresh Flowers, Westport Farmer’s Market Has It All!
A small sample of the many wonderful offerings at the Westport Farmer's Market
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Since 2006 when Paul Newman and Michel Nischan first floated the idea which resulted with the market opening their “doors“ in the parking lot of the Westport Country Playhouse, this highly acclaimed venture which started with only 14 vendors and and about 500 shoppers that opening day, has grown by leaps and bounds. Each week hundreds and hundreds of shoppers seek and find an exceptional array of fresh farm produce and unique gourmet items which brings them back every week. The market satisfies Westport’s increasing demand for high quality, fresh, healthy food which finds its way to our tables each week.
Since 2006 when Paul Newman and Michel Nischan first floated the idea which resulted with the market opening their “doors“ in the parking lot of the Westport Country Playhouse, this highly acclaimed venture which started with only 14 vendors and and about 500 shoppers that opening day, has grown by leaps and bounds.
The non-stop flow of eager customers as they try to choose what delicious offerings they will be taking home to their families.
When visiting the market, many gourmet cooks will make a stop at Seacoast Mushrooms, (above, right) Seacoast is a local mushroom farm based out of Mystic, CT that supplies dozens of the state's top restaurants, as well as several different farmers markets across CT. The farm grows up to ten varieties of mushrooms, all of which are bursting with flavor and provide a vast amount of health benefits. To learn more about all they have to offer, visit Seacoast Mushrooms.
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The Westport Farmer's Market is an institution cherished by the late Gordon Joseloff, who served two terms as Westport‘s First Selectman. In fact, Joseloff, along with his Second Selectman Shelly Kassen, were instrumental in moving the market to it's current home at 50 Imperial Ave. next to The Westport Women’s Club. Joseloff and Kassen in fact secured the property for the WFM and arranged to pave the lot on which the market now stands along with ample parking alongside the vendor booths and overflow parking available in the lower lot. they assisted in WFM becoming
According to Executive Director Lori L. Cochchran-Dougall, "Gordon and Shelly Kassen were instrumental in the success of WFM. They secured the Imperial Lot for the market by paving the lot for the market, helping WFM become a 501c-3, finding me to run the market and assisting in identifying the address of 50 imperial Ave as WFM's physical address. These actions are what helped make WFM an institution in Westport."
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One delicious offering is from Sprout Juice Bar, (above, left) which is a great example of the mission of the Westport Farmer’s Market. Owner Anderson Leite told WestportLocalPress,”We pride ourselves on sourcing the finest ingredients directly from local farmers who share our commitment to sustainability and quality. Our approach to juicing is as much about supporting our community as it is about delivering nutrient-packed beverages. We collaborate with local farmers to source the freshest fruits and vegetables, ensuring that each juice is not only delicious but also packed with the natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.”
But our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our ingredients. We're dedicated to reducing waste and giving back to the very farms that supply us. After we press our juices, the remaining pulp and vegetable/fruit remnants are returned to the farmers. These byproducts are used to feed their animals and create organic compost that enriches the soil for growing more of the vibrant produce we use in our juices. This closed-loop system helps us minimize waste and reinforces our connection to the local agricultural community.
Leite added, “For the past four seasons, we have proudly participated in the Westport Farmers Market, a renowned community gathering under the leadership of Executive Director Lori Cochran-Dougall. Lori’s unwavering dedication to providing fresh, local, and seasonal food—grown with sustainable practices—aligns perfectly with our own values.” To learn more visit SproutRawJuice.com
There is always a line at Boxcar Cantina which features authentic Northern new Mexican cuisines, which moves beyond Southwest/Tex-Mex food. Delicious dishes at reasonable prices makes this booth a "must visit" stop at the Market.
There is plenty of seating for those who cannot wait to get home with their goodies, or who want to enjoy their Boxcar lunch. Gourmet cooks need sharp knives to craft their dishes and often drop off their cutlery for sharpening while the do their shopping.
The WFM is open on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and their summer season runs from May through November. The Winter Market then opens at Gilbertie's Herbs and Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane, Westport, just off Riverside Ave.
Find out for yourself all the WFM vendors have to offer. The full list of vendors with links for more info can be found here: Westport Farmers Market
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Staples Wreckers Football Workout Honors Our Veterans, Raising Money For Catch A Lift Fund
The Staples Wreckers football team takes to the stands before a presentation by Jason Smith, retired Army Sergeant who was severely wounded serving in Afghanistan. Above, (l. to r.) joining and assisting in the event is Adam Vengrow board member and vice president of the Catch A Lift Fund, Staples Football Head Coach Adam Behrends, Jim Adrian head of the Gridiron Club, First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Catch A Lift team leader Andy Berman, Sergeant Smith proudly displaying a Wreckers State Championship ring he was given by the team, Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Wreckers assistant coach Matty Jacowleff and office Brian Quick.
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Thursday evening, Westport’s Staples High School Wreckers football team participated in their version of the Murph Memorial workout, a CrossFit workout that honors U.S. Navy Seal Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who died in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. Murphy was the first service member to receive the Medal of Honor for his service in Afghanistan, and he was posthumously awarded the medal on October 22, 2007. Please read about this American Hero at the end of this story below.
Above, waiting for the event to begin are supporters First Selectwoman Tooker, Chief Koskinas, Andy Berman and Head Coach Behrends.
The wreckers football team raised thousands of dollars in support of the Catch A Lift Fund. Catch A Lift provides fitness for free for post 9/11 Afghanistan and Iraqi veterans coming back suffering from series, PTSD and other series injuries. To learn more about this exceptional program which has helped so may veterans, visit: CatchALiftFund.org
Jason Smith is a retired Army sergeant who served from 2009–2014 in the infantry. On July 25, 2012, while deployed to Afghanistan, he stepped on an IED. He lost both legs and sustained extensive damage to his right hand. Three months before retiring he met his wife, who, in his words, 'was able to look past his injuries and see him for who he was.' They now have two children. More about Sgt. Smith below.
The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a silent moment of reflection for our fallen heroes.
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Sergeant Smith proudly shows the championship ring for the 2023-2024 Wreckers State Championship which he was surprised with by Wreckers Football.
Above, (l. to r.), Adam Vengrow and Andy Berman from Catch A Lift, Coach Behrends, Jim Adrian and Coach Jacowleff.
Coach Behrends presents the Wreckers Championship Ring to Sergeant Jason Smith. Smith also appeared last last year’s event and received thanks from the team which is hoping that the same inspiration from last year will help them to another state championship this season.
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The team assembles before beginning the extremely challenging Murph Memorial workout.
Coach Matty Jacowleff give instructions to the team on how the workout, which is a competition for the team, will proceed. This workout began with a one mile run, followed by the athletes doing 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 pull-ups, and concluding with yet another one mile run.
The team begins the workout with a warm up to prepare for the grueling task ahead.
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By the time they got to the pull-up station, team players were “feelin’ the burn” after running a mile and doing the required 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups, but they fought through the pain to achieve their goal. Assistant coach Matt Bohn (grey shirt & cap) keeps the energy level up, encouraging his players to keep going.
This Is What Warrior Spirit Looks Like
Sergeant Smith shows the Wreckers how it's done at the pull-up station.
Jason Smith returned from Afghanistan quite different from how he arrived. As he explained to the team in his presentation, his injuries left him depressed, uncertain about his future. Rather than give in to fear or feeling sorry for himself, he got to work. The results paid off.
Smith competed at the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany and at the Warrior Games winning six gold medals including one for bench pressing more than 400 lbs. The Warrior Games (WarriorGames.com) is an annual adaptive sports competition that celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran US military service members. The Invictus Games (InvictusGames.org) are focused on using sport as a tool for competitor recovery and rehabilitation and are a steppingstone on the recovery journey for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.
Sergeant Smith’s athletic achievements in not only adaptive sports platforms such as the Invictus Games and Warrior Games but in his day-to-day commitment to fitness is just one reason why he was such an inspiration to the Wreckers Football program.
Sergeant Smith makes it look easy doing pull-ups along with Catch A Lift’s Andy Berman.
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Above, left, Andy Berman, Catch A Lift, gives some advice on doing push-ups, then joins Vengrow and Sergeant Smith. Jason might take a little longer to get into push-up position but he likely can do more than anyone else on the field that day except perhaps Berman, a personal trainer.
Staples Cheerleaders were on hand to watch the competition and do a little inspiration of their own as the team was put through their paces.
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About Navy Seal Lt. Michael P. Murphy
From the U.S. Navy website (Navy.mil Medal Of Honor Recipient)
The Murph Memorial workout upon which the workout this day at Staples was based was named after a favorite workout of U.S. Navy Seal, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who was the first service member to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the medal on October 22, 2007.
On June 28, 2005, deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan, a very committed four-man Navy SEAL team was conducting a reconnaissance mission at the unforgiving altitude of approximately 10,000 feet. The SEALs, Lt. Michael Murphy, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz, Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marcus Luttrell had a vital task. The four SEALs were scouting Ahmad Shah – a terrorist in his mid-30s who grew up in the adjacent mountains just to the south.
A fierce firefight erupted between the four SEALs and a much larger enemy force of more than 50 anti-coalition militia. The enemy had the SEALs outnumbered. They also had terrain advantage. They launched a well-organized, three-sided attack on the SEALs. The firefight continued relentlessly as the overwhelming militia forced the team deeper into a ravine.
Trying to reach safety, the four men, now each wounded, began bounding down the mountain's steep sides, making leaps of 20 to 30 feet. Approximately 45 minutes into the fight, pinned down by overwhelming forces, Dietz, the communications petty officer, sought open air to place a distress call back to the base. But before he could, he was shot in the hand, the blast shattering his thumb.
Despite the intensity of the firefight and suffering grave gunshot wounds himself, Murphy is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his teammates. Murphy, intent on making contact with headquarters, but realizing this would be impossible in the extreme terrain where they were fighting, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own life moved into the open, where he could gain a better position to transmit a call to get help for his men.
Moving away from the protective mountain rocks, he knowingly exposed himself to increased enemy gunfire. This deliberate and heroic act deprived him of cover and made him a target for the enemy. While continuing to be fired upon, Murphy made contact with the SOF Quick Reaction Force at Bagram Air Base and requested assistance. He calmly provided his unit’s location and the size of the enemy force while requesting immediate support for his team. At one point he was shot in the back causing him to drop the transmitter. Murphy picked it back up, completed the call and continued firing at the enemy who was closing in. Severely wounded, Lt. Murphy returned to his cover position with his men and continued the battle.
An MH-47 Chinook helicopter, with eight additional SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers aboard, was sent is as part of an extraction mission to pull out the four embattled SEALs. The MH-47 was escorted by heavily-armored, Army attack helicopters. Entering a hot combat zone, attack helicopters are used initially to neutralize the enemy and make it safer for the lightly-armored, personnel-transport helicopter to insert.
The heavy weight of the attack helicopters slowed the formation’s advance prompting the MH-47 to outrun their armored escort. They knew the tremendous risk going into an active enemy area in daylight, without their attack support, and without the cover of night. Risk would, of course, be minimized if they put the helicopter down in a safe zone. But knowing that their warrior brothers were shot, surrounded and severely wounded, the rescue team opted to directly enter the oncoming battle in hopes of landing on brutally hazardous terrain.
As the Chinook raced to the battle, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter, killing all 16 men aboard.
On the ground and nearly out of ammunition, the four SEALs, Murphy, Luttrell, Dietz and Axelson, continued the fight. By the end of the two-hour gunfight that careened through the hills and over cliffs, Murphy, Axelson and Dietz had been killed. An estimated 35 Taliban were also dead.
Weekend Road Trip: Bridgewater Country Fair
One of the few remains authentic large country fairs remaining in CT takes place this weekend in Bridgewater, at 100 Main St. South, 34 miles from Main St. Westport, about a 50 minute drive.
All the attractions associated with the fair, the annual fundraiser for the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department now in it’s 71st year can be found here. Prize winning animals, including draft and miniature ponies, tractor pulls, pig racing, border collie demo, wood carving and the new main event for 2024 is The main event for 2024 features a TRIPLE SHOWCASE !!!!! This triple dipper includes a high wire tightrope act, human cannonball and motorcycle / motocross jump, and the much loved dock diving dogs. There are multiple live music performers, a number of rides, a midway, awesome foods including fresh picked corn on the cob and signature superb roast beef.
Parking is free and the admission os $10.00. The fair opening ceremonies began at 6:30PM followed by a parade down Main St. at 6:45PM.
More more info visit: Bridgewater Country Fair.com
Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Vincent Penna, Jr. Memorial Car Show Draws Hundreds
More than 320 of the finest automobiles around were proudly displayed in Norwalk to the admiration of several hundred visitors. Examples of automotive excellence spanning the last 90 or more years appeared in row after row, with perfectly restored antiques, classic American Muscle Cars, hot rods, trucks and a few extremely rare automobiles which are seldom seen outside at shows such as this. Row 2 above, left shows Westport Police Sgt. Sharon Russo and Lt. Sereneti Dobson with Vincent Penna, Sr. at the raffle of the 90 prizes donated by the generous sponsors.
At row 2, right, event main organizer Detective Sergeant John Taranto of the Norwalk PD gives out one of the trophies awarded to one of the winning car owners.
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The crowd gathered near the end of the show when the nearly 100 raffle prizes were awarded to the lucky winners. Area businesses, stores and restaurants generously donated prizes to help raise funds for the scholarship program.
This is the 6th year of the show, which began as a fundraiser for student scholarships, then was renamed to honor Vincent Penna, Jr. who sadly passed away unexpectedly in December of 2020 at the age of 51, leaving behind his wife and teenage sons, in addition to countless family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow officers who admired his passion for his family and community. Vinnie Penna, Jr. was an officer with Westport for 26 years, becoming the Deputy Chief of the Department before his retirement in 2017.
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Live music was performed by Clue and the Honkytones, adding to high energy of the event.
Special thanks is given to the Italian American Police Society, the driving force behind the event, comprised of officers from multiple police departments in southwestern CT.
The goal of the event could not be achieved without the very generous sponsors, including headline sponsors Garavel Subaru, Snap On Tools, A.J. Penna Construction, Z2 Motorsports, Black Bridge Motors and the more than 150 local businesses from Westport and Norwalk who supported with either donations or raffle prizes.
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Westport Police Officers Sergeant Sharon Russo and Lt. Sereneti Dobson (above and above, left and right photos) were two of energetic volunteers as they called out the lucky raffle winners. Vinnie Penna, Sr. drew one of the raffle winning tickets (2nd from left) and next, one of the winners excitedly came to collect her prize. A small army of volunteers spent a great deal of time helping to pull together all of the aspects of the event. The organizers wish to offer special thanks to Fred Forger, Joseph Buffone, and Rick Tanella from Ricks Main roofing who put in countless hours to organize the sponsors for the program booklet. Also Detective Danny Fitzmaurice, Norwalk PD. and Robin Penna, Vincent’s step mom, wife of Vinnie senior, DC Penna’s dad.
Above, Lt. Dobson and Sgt. Russo standing with Sammy Arturo of Stamford, winner of a 55” television set and with grand prize winner Bob Persichilli of Trumbull won a one week vacation in Aruba.
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One of the many rows of the more than 320 exceptional cars on display at the event gets a look from several spectators.
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Near the conclusion of the event, after the 50/50 and the raffle prizes were awarded, distinctive trophies were given to the best cars in the show.
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Saugatuck Congregational’s Message Of Inclusion And Affirmation
The rainbow chairs on the front lawn of the church convey the message of the church proclaiming that all are welcome.
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Saugatuck Congregational Church recently added another visual message to the peace sign which they installed earlier this year (WestportLocalPress: Message of Peace) when they welcomed their new Interim Minister Reverend Kari J. Nicewander. The collection of rainbow Adirondack chairs appears with a banner proclaiming “There’s a seat for everyone at God’s table.”
This message stands in stark contrast to the recent vandalism at Westport’s noted Rainbow Crosswalk at Jesup Green and helps to reinforce Westport’s strongly held creed of being a welcoming community where there is indeed a place for everyone.
Reverend Nicewander told WestportlocalPress, “As a member of the queer community, it means so much to me that Saugatuck Church has been affirming of LGBTQ+ people for so many years. As the Interim Minister at Saugatuck, it means so much to me that we share that message of love, affirmation, and inclusion with the broader community. We believe that God created us as we are - gay, straight, queer, lesbian, bisexual, non-binary, transgender, etc - and that God celebrates us as we are. We are not just accepting of queer community and people, we are queer community, and we rejoice in the diversity of God's creation.”
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New York Air Show: Into The Wild Blue Yonder
WestportLocalPress went on a road trip to the Orange County, NY Airport to see the legendary United States Air Force Thunderbirds precision flight squadron on Saturday.
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Joining the Thunderbirds this year at the show, flying in the United States for the first time in more than 30 years is the Italian Air Force precision squadron, Frecce Tricolori, which is the world’s largest, with ten aircraft flying exceptional maneuvers. Their tour this year is commemorating the 500th anniversary of Giovanni da Verrazzano's expedition to America in 1524.
The photos above show the Thunderbirds in their signature Diamond formation, flying as close as two feet apart, and Frecce Tricolori’s ten plane Delta formation, with their smoke generators proudly showing the red, white and green of the Italian flag.
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Thunderbird signature maneuvers include a vertical climb with each plane banking in a different direction and their canopy-to-canopy slow flight down the runway center line a few feet apart.
The headliner USAF Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon and perform a combination of formation and solo maneuvers in an inspiring, patriotic, high energy demonstration that thrills and draws gasps from the crowd. To see more on these, some of America’s finest pilots, visit: USAF Thunderbirds.
The show continued on Sunday August 11th. Orange County Airport is less than 1-1/2 hours from Westport, at 500 Dunn Rd, Montgomery, NY.
Visit: NY Air Show for more information. Air shows are held each year at Orange County Airport and on Memorial Day weekend at Jones Beach on Long Island.
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Italian American Police Society Vincent Penna Memorial Car Show Returns On Sunday
The Annual Vincent Penna Jr Memorial Car Show, hosted by the Italian American Police Society of Southern CT will be held this Sunday August 11, 2024, at 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. The car show is raising funds for the Vincent Penna Jr Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship awards funds to the education of local children in the community.
Vincent Penna Jr passed away unexpectedly in December of 2020 at the age of 51, leaving behind his wife and teenage sons, in addition to countless family members, friends, colleagues and fellow officers who admired his passion for his family and community. Vincent Penna Jr was an officer with Westport for 26 years, becoming the Deputy Chief of the Department before his retirement in 2017.
This event is expected to have hundreds of classic and exotic cars and thousands of automotive enthusiasts. There is a $20 fee to enter your car, no cut off years and spectators are free. There will be live music by Clue and the Honkytones, raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies, and more. Thanks to more than 150 sponsors the IAPS of CT will be giving away more than $40,000.00 in prizes.
Fishing The Sound, Tern-Style
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The Common Tern in these photos were part of a group of 6 or 8 that practiced a fishing method called “plunge diving”, where they sight a fish close to the surface, on the wing and then dive into the water, taking the fish. They were not successful each time, but they eventually grabbed a nice dinner. This group may well have been part of colony which nests out on Cockenoe Island.
AllAboutBirds.org states, “Common Terns nest in colonies on the ground in areas with loose sand, gravel, shell, or cobble pebbles typically less than 350 feet from the water. They tend to choose areas with scattered, low-growing vegetation to provide cover for chicks.” Their clutch size is anywhere from 1-4 eggs with an incubation period of 22-27 days.
He’s In There Somewhere!
These 3 guys knew a fun, exhilarating way to beat the heat last week, splashing in the Sound on their powerful jet skis.
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The guy in blue seemed to be the alpha rider of the trio, pushing the envelope with tight turns at quite a clip, challenging the other riders.
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